Birmingham

Hi all, I will post some pics from my ventures, sorting out safe routes for Coventry students attending Birmingham University in Edgbaston. The entrance to the Oratory that may have influenced the thinking of Tolkien when he was writing "Lord of the Rings" From inside the courtyard.

From the car-park, in the distance can be seen the tops of the water tower (left) as well as the "folly" tower. Edgbaston was well blessed with these two towers plus the University tower, further south. My task is to decide which towers were in the mind of Tolkien, as well as deciding why the "folly" tower was really built.

Thank you, Philip, lovely photos, I love that iron worked gate, what workmanship, and a wonderful courtyard. I wouldn't like to be the one trimming those box hedges and topiary, well done to the gardener. Yes it's surprising where writers and poets get their influence.

I think it was Midlands news that reported some time ago that it was the "folly" tower that inspired him when writing the Lord of the Rings.

It wasn't just old Cov that has lost some amazing buildings. I've always had a soft spot for old-Brum as well. A few of my old favourite buildings are here - would love to have had a look around all these Never mind today's redevelopment - believe it or not this was New Street Station! The Exchange Building - Stephenson Place King Edwards School on New Street - JRR Tolkiens' school. Designed by Charles Barry who also rebuilt the Palace of Westminster.

I know the phrase has been used many times but - 'They knew how to build in them thar days'. Great pics, Neil.

In the eighties I knew several people who worshipped there - they loved it!

William Middlemore's factory at Holloway Head, later Middlemore & Lamplugh. When D. Mason took this over they only had left the Little Park Street factory which was renamed Middlemores. Also on Holloway Head/Bath Row (it's like an Earl Street/Jordan Well thing) is the bombed remains of St Thomas' Church and the Peace Gardens. Edited by member, 4th May 2017 12:23 pm

Although it's close to Coventry (nearly joined up these days!) I've never really spent any time in the Second City - apart from the railway stations, football grounds and speedway tracks, of course, although I did have a spell working in Aston Cross a few years back So it was a real eye-opener for me to take a walk around parts of the city centre in the sunshine on Monday, to see a variety of buildings old and new It won't be long before I make a return visit (by train into the delightful Moor Street Station), provided Philip can come up with some decent weather again Of course, I took the camera along for company - photos here

Brilliant MR, I loved the modern day tram, the guardian Bull. The last time I was in the Bullring was Christmas shopping in 1950, and Queen Vic. seems to pop up all over the world!

Midland Red, Absolutely 'Brill' Photo's.

Great photo's Midland Red.